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I am the first to admit that I am not very skilled (or interested to be honest with you) when it comes to video or computer games. Recently, one of our Education staff members (his name is Ben, he works with our live animal collection!) told us about an online game that actually seems to be a great way to get folks excited about physics problem solving!

The game that was first mentioned is called “Crayon Physics.” It’s actually really cool. You draw shapes and use gravity, wedges, and simple machines to move something from point A to point B and move on to the next level. There is a really neat video you can watch so that you can get an idea of how the game works. We also found a similar game that’s also online called Magic Pen.

I’m not sure what the differences are but I’m sure our beloved blog readers who are excited about playing online games can hopefully check them out and let us know which provides you with the MOST FUN way to learn about physics and simple machines!!

If you’ve visited our mothership lately, you may have noticed a bright new banner at the top of the home page. It’s there because we’re interested in you – and in discovering what you like to do online, so that we can develop our web site and online programs to better serve your interests and needs. We’ve designed a very brief – promise! – survey to help us learn more about your interests when it comes to technology and how it’s integrated into your lifestyle.

At just 11 questions, this very short survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Your answers will be invaluable as we continue to develop our online programs, in order to better serve you and all of our visitors.

To say thank you, we’re giving away an iPod Touch! By completing the survey, you’re entered to win – easy as that! (You can also check out the full rules for the drawing here.)

We were totally amazed and overwhelmed by the fabulous dinosaur drawings that poured through our doors throughout the contest. The creativity – and scientific understanding – of our entrants is astounding.

The contest was judged by HMNS curator of paleontology Dr. Robert T Bakker, and winners were chosen in two categories: Scientific Accuracy and Artistic Effect. It was such a tough decision – and we were so impressed with every entry – that we’ll be posting a slideshow where they can all be seen – I hope you’ll come back soon to check them out – there are some very cool kids out there!

And the winners are…

Scientific Accuracy

Dr. Bakker picked Todd Blackmon’s drawing in the category of scientific accuracy because Todd did something very scientific – he labeled his drawing, pointing out the anatomy of T. rex. This is something Dr. Bakker himself always does in his drawings, because it helps people to learn and remember.

Here’s what Todd had to say about his winning illustration:

“My reason for entering the contest was to have fun. I wanted to follow the rules of the contest and draw T-Rex and point out his features. It was very challenging to look at the huge dinosaur and make him fit on a piece of paper.”

T. rex by Todd Blackmon

Artistic Effect

Dr. Bakker chose Myria Perez’ drawing for the category of Artistic Effect because of the compelling scene she created – a scene that’s both emotionally compelling and based on current scientific understanding of the circumstances surrounding Leonardo’s death, from the hypothesized flooding event to the cracks that can be seen in Leonardo’s abdomen today. If you visit the Dino Mummy exhibit, you’ll see just how accurate Myria’s artistic vision truly is.

Here’s what Myria had to say about her creation:

“Creating “Leonardo’s Death”
Creating Leonardo’s death was a thrilling experience! I learned so much about his lifestyle. Before I started the final drawing, I decided to have an action scene because I am certain Leonardo’s last moments were filled with action. I wanted to draw a picture that showed that action and a lot of detail.

The first sketch I did of Leonardo was just an idea based on what I could remember about the exhibit and how he died with the wound. After the initial sketch, I went online to find pictures of Brachylophosaur and thought about different positions I could place Leonardo in. I decided on a pose for him: slightly tipping, an open mouth out towards the sky, and his tail curved around the wound a Daspletosaurus gave his side.

Leonardo’s last moments probably included rain and a flood to perfectly preserve him as a mummy. I decided to have the water up almost to his knee, but with enough room to let you see the details of his wound. One of my favorite parts about drawing this scene was there was a lot of splashing and action with the blood trickling down and the rain. The blood from his side oozes from his side and then splashes in the water.

I was able to show this by shading dark to light under the water ripples so it would look like it faded. I found it challenging to show the rain hitting Leonardo and sliding down his body off into the water after being blown by the wind. The part of the drawing that took me the longest was all of the small hard to see scales over the entire body of Leonardo. The scales are larger on the front of his legs because he would have needed better protection to walk through the brush.

Creating “Leonardo’s Death” is a drawing experience that has changed how I will look at my future drawings. “Leonardo’s Death” has been my most successful drawing so far!”

“Leonardo’s Death” by Myria Perez

Congratulations to Myria and Todd! They’ll both receive $200 gift certificates to Texas Art Supply – keep drawing! – and a signed dinosaur drawing by Dr. Bakker himself. And, thank you to everyone else who entered – we’ll be posting a slideshow of all their creative, fun and thoughtful drawings here soon.

The contest is simple: pick a dinosaur and draw it for us. In this video, Dr. Bakker takes you through drawing a T. rex – but your entry can be any dinosaur you like. On Nov. 1, Dr. Bakker will choose one winner for each of two categories – one for scientific accuracy, and another for artistic effect.

So, head on over to the drawing board – you’ve got until Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. to enter.

Entries must be no larger than 11 x 17 inches and they can be turned in to the Museum Services desk at the Museum or scanned and submitted online to blogadmin@hmns.org. Make sure to include your name, phone number and e-mail address with your entry – otherwise, we’ll have no way to contact you if you’ve won. Two identical prizes will be awarded – one to recognize the most scientifically accurate dinosaur drawing and the other to honor the best artisitc effect. Click here for contest rules.

UPDATE: Our winners have been posted! Along with a slideshow of all of the fabulous entries – a huge thank you to all the very talented kids who entered.